The one-month deadline set by Prince Li Bing passed in the blink of an eye. The Jinhe main road management plan drafted by the Ministry of Household Affairs and the Ministry of Works in accordance with the order was also declared completed a few days ahead of schedule and rushed to Luoyi.
According to the calculation results obtained through consultation between officials from the two ministries, the funds required for the entire treatment project are estimated to be as high as 40 million yuan, and this astronomical figure far exceeds Shengtang's annual fiscal revenue. From this point of view, it is definitely impossible not to levy additional taxes to control the river.
In addition, construction time and manpower are also big and thorny issues.
The Jinhe River stretches for thousands of miles, traversing the vast areas such as the Northern Land and the Central Plains of Shengtang. The places it flows through are mostly places rich in food. Therefore, out of consideration of important factors such as not missing the agricultural season and climate change in the north, Yuzhou The two-year construction period originally planned by the governor was extended to about three and a half years before completion.
Correspondingly, the number of civilians invested in the project has also doubled, and it will probably require nearly 400,000 people.
In addition, the Ministry of War also proposed that based on the experience of past dynasties, in order to ensure the safe and smooth progress of the river control project, the soldiers of the Zhechong Prefecture in the twelve states along the river must also suspend their annual routine training plans and change For patrol duties, most of the troops were deployed to the construction site to guard against civilians gathering together to cause trouble.
To keep more than 400,000 young workers from causing trouble, at least tens of thousands of troops must be mobilized to carry out suppression.
As for the position of chief river manager, who is responsible for directing the implementation of the project, the Ministry of Finance recommended two candidates. One is Qiao Yunliang, Minister of Industry, and the other is the eldest son of Emperor Li Chengwu, King Li Kuang of Huaiyang.
To be honest, these two candidates are slightly less interesting.
Although Qiao Yunliang has good qualifications and rich experience in river management, he is really not qualified to be responsible for such a huge national project for a mere third-rank minister of the Ministry of Industry.
As for the King of Huaiyang, although he has a noble status and is the first prince among the princes to participate in the government affairs, what he is passionate about and good at is the power struggle in the court. Li Kuang does not know much about specific government affairs and other matters. Familiar, but certainly lacking the corresponding prestige.
But there was no way, and the court really had no better candidates to choose from.
Li Bing looked at the official document sent from the imperial capital, smiled helplessly, raised his eyes and asked the officials: "How is it? What do you think of the opinions of the various ministries in the Shangshu Province?"
After hearing the prince's inquiry, the governor of Yuzhou was the first to speak: "Your Majesty, I believe that the lords of the imperial capital department are experienced and seasoned in planning the country, and the various strategies for managing the Jinhe River are indeed better than those that Weichen mentioned before. The plan is more sophisticated and precise, and more feasible. Wei Chen fully agrees with this. It’s just that... there may be something wrong with the selection of the river manager."
"Oh? What's wrong? Please tell me carefully and tell me." Li Bing asked calmly.
The governor of Yuzhou cleared his throat: "Your Highness, please forgive me for being bold. I would like to ask the whole country and the civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty. In terms of merit, prestige, and ability, who is more suitable for such an important position than Mr. Xie, Taifu Xie? ? Even the people on both sides of the Jinhe River are looking forward to the Grand Tutor taking charge of the situation!"
Hearing what he said, Murong Xue, who was standing aside, smiled and said: "Master Governor, don't always use the so-called public opinion to convince His Highness. People on both sides of the Taiwan Strait hope that Mr. Xie will preside over the river control project? Have you asked them one by one?"
"This...this..." Faced with Murong Xue's tricky question, the governor of Yuzhou held it back for a long time and did not dare to reply. Just tell me that you have asked them one by one, even a fool will not believe it. It is said that I have not asked them one by one, and I will immediately be labeled as a crime of deceiving the emperor by Master Zhan.
It's really a dilemma.
Lao Jianhua snorted coldly and came to the rescue for the governor: "I say, governor, you are really honest and honest. Do you take Mr. Murong's joking words seriously? The so-called public opinion always has a representative principle. It is impossible to "everyone" "Everyone says it is" is the public opinion. When the local squires and common people visited you last time, didn't they seriously propose that they would like to ask the Grand Tutor to come forward to regulate the river?"
The governor of Yuzhou reacted and nodded in agreement. He said that he only listened to the opinions of the representatives of the squires and common people before saying that public opinion was like this.
Lao Jianhua glanced at Murong Xue and continued: "Your Highness, there are indeed many things wrong with the nomination of candidates for Shangshu Province. Although Shangshu Qiao is experienced and can be considered an honest official, his position is not high after all. If a third-grade official is to shoulder the important task of coordinating and commanding the twelve state capitals along the river, 400,000 civilians, and tens of thousands of soldiers and horses, it will be difficult for him to convince the public regardless of his ability or prestige. But His Highness, the King of Huaiyang, is so disrespectful to me. I’m afraid even your Highness won’t agree with his conditions.”
Li Bing couldn't help laughing when he heard this: "My brother Wang... He is the best in the world in hunting, horse racing and cricket fighting."
"Yes, Your Highness. How can such a person take on the important task of regulating the river, which is related to the destiny of the country?" Lao Jianhua looked distressed: "It is a mistake for Shangshu Province to ignore the Jinhe River management project and hastily recommend the candidate for the general manager. If the country mistreats the people, Your Highness should issue an edict to warn them!"
Li Bing nodded slightly and said calmly: "There is no need to give orders. I think that the Minister must have made this recommendation after careful consideration, and there is absolutely no intention of neglect. The question now is, who should be responsible for it? This is an important task. Do you also agree to let Mr. Xie take action?"
Lao Jianhua looked at Murong Xue next to him again, and shook his head: "I suggest that Your Highness should personally take on the post of Chief Supervisor of River Control, and that the Tutor will assist you, which is the most secure and safe way."
Such a proposal did not go beyond Murong Xue's expectations. On the contrary, he was still cursing secretly in his heart: Lao Jianhua was indeed cunning and planned to use retreat to advance to fool His Highness the Crown Prince.
According to Lao Jianhua's idea, the prince served as the general manager and Xie Guang was responsible for cooperating. Faced with such a complicated and complicated river control project, they could easily control the prince with just a little trick. They are left alone, and they can monopolize power in secret, covering the sky with one hand.
Li Bing seemed to have also seen Lao Jianhua's intention, and smiled calmly: "Ai Qing's idea is not bad. I have been ordered to supervise the country, and it is right for me to be personally involved in such an important matter. However, the face of the imperial capital cannot be ignored. Here. How about this. I will be at the helm to manage Jinhe. Taifu Xie, Shangshu Qiao, and the emperor’s brother, King Huaiyang, all hold deputy positions. Everyone will cooperate with each other and share the responsibility."
After hearing this, Murong Xue secretly praised in her heart: The prince is also a good tactic! Although they knew that Qiao Yunliang and Li Kuang were no match for Xie Guang and the others, it was much better to have two more people to restrain the Taifu than to let Xie Guang act arbitrarily. What's more, since His Highness the Crown Prince is willing to take the lead, Murong Xue will also have room to show his strength. He will keep an eye on Xie Guang and Lao Jianhua and will never let them have the opportunity to do anything behind their backs.
-
At the beginning of the lanterns, Murong Xue returned to her mansion, held an oil lamp in her study, and hurriedly wrote a report on today's court meeting so that it could be sent to the imperial capital through secret channels tomorrow morning.
Rui Ji brought the freshly fried tea to the study room, and gently placed the tea tray beside the table. Then she walked around behind Murong Xue, gently hugged Murong Xue's generous arms, and breathed into his ear. Rulan: "Sir, it's time to rest for a while."
Murong Xue showed a smile on her face, put down the brush, turned her hand to support Rui Ji's jade arm, rested her head on her shoulder, and said softly: "Rui Ji'er, go to bed first and come back when I finish writing. Stay with you, okay?"
"No, I want you to accompany me now," Rui Ji said coquettishly, "How about this? I have learned massage techniques before. You can write while you write, and I can serve you at the same time. How about this?"
When Murong Xue heard the word "serve" coming out of her mouth, she couldn't help but think of Rui Ji's charming gesture of catering to him between the sheets every night. She felt hot in her heart and hurriedly said: "Don't do that. How can I continue writing? Be good, wait for me, okay?"
"No, I want it, I want it..." Following her words, Rui Ji turned around and fell into Murong Xue's arms, looking shy and reluctant.
The two were laughing when a gentle knock on the door came from outside the courtyard.
It was already the third watch, and there were still people visiting. It must be something unusual. Murong Xue quickly stood up, walked out of the room, and asked in a deep voice: "Who is it?"
"General Murong, I am Tao Yuan."
When Murong Xue heard that it was Tao Yuan, the flag bearer of Nilinsi's Luoyi branch, outside, she quickly stepped forward and opened the courtyard door.
"It's so late, what happened?"
"General, let's go inside and talk in detail."
Murong Xue nodded silently, and then led Tao Yuan into the room. When Rui Ji saw a guest, she quickly stood up and saluted.
Tao Yuan returned the courtesy briefly: "Please forgive me, Madam-in-law. I am humble and have important matters to discuss with General Murong. I apologize for disturbing you late at night."
Ruiji lowered her head and said softly, "You're welcome, sir." Then she walked out of the study obediently and closed the door from the outside.
When Tao Yuan heard that Ruiji had left, he turned around and said in a low voice: "General, the day after tomorrow the Prince will go to White Horse Temple to offer incense. This is a rare opportunity. I am planning to secretly arrest Lao Jianhua!"
Murong Xue was slightly startled when she heard this and said curiously: "I only learned about the prince's travel arrangements during the afternoon court meeting. How did you know about it so quickly?"
"To be honest, General, His Highness is surrounded by people from our Nilin Division." Tao Yuan obviously did not want to talk more about this issue. He only explained briefly and continued: "The day after tomorrow is the death anniversary of the late Queen. Your Highness will visit this time every year. Go to the Daci'en Temple on the outskirts of the imperial capital to offer incense for your late mother. This year's sacrifice will be held at the White Horse Temple in Luoyi. His Highness specifically ordered that because of the special time, Xie Guang is not allowed to send Xuanjia soldiers to accompany him on guard so as not to disturb the monks. Qingxiu. If he only brings a few subordinate officials and guards from the East Palace, it will be a rare opportunity that must not be missed."
Murong Xue was a little embarrassed: "Are you sure about this operation? Has Shen Changshi agreed?"
Tao Yuan said anxiously: "Oh, my Lord General, there are thousands of rivers and mountains between Luoyi and the imperial capital. When the chief minister nods for instructions, the day lily will be cold. He once told us brothers that as long as there is a chance, there is no need to ask for instructions. We can make a decision with General Murong. I am absolutely sure of the action. When the time comes, I will dispatch all the elite forces of Luoyi. There are seventeen or eight masters to ensure that nothing goes wrong."
Murong Xue was still not at ease: "What are you going to do? Don't forget, His Royal Highness is also there. You must not disturb the Holy Master."
"That's why I came to see the general," Tao Yuan explained: "When I take action, I need you to cooperate with two things. One is to find a way to keep Shan Tingxian, the minister of Huangmen, in Ziwei Palace and not let him accompany him; The other one found an excuse to leave Lao Jianhua alone in the temple. As soon as he left His Highness, our brothers saw the opportunity and shot him with a short arrow soaked in hemp powder, and then took advantage of the situation to kill him. Take it. The White Horse Temple is outside the city. It is easy to escape after you get it. General, you can rest assured."
